Health Canada has added a blood clot warning to the Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccine but maintains it is safe to use. Local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock says the benefits of the vaccine still far outweigh the risks.
OXFORD/ELGIN/ST.THOMAS - Health Canada has added a blood clot warning to the Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccine, but maintains it is safe.
Locally Southwestern Public Health Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock explains why the warning was issued.
"Health Canada is aware of the reports in Europe of adverse events following vaccination with the Astra-Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 virus has been shown to increase clots to people who do get ill with it and this was one of the side effects that all of us were watching for."
Dr. Lock says the risk of getting blood clots from Astra-Zeneca remains very low.
"It appears at the moment that the rate of clots is no greater in those who receive the vaccine than in those who did not, so we are not seeing anymore clots than we would normally see."
She adds they still recommend taking the Astra-Zeneca vaccine if it becomes available locally.
"The risk of serious illness of COVID-19, out weighs any risk of clotting and so, in general, Health Canada continues to reassure Canadians of the benefit of the COVID-19 vaccine."
Dr. Lock says they will continue to monitor this closely.
"Health Canada continues to monitor this very carefully and locally, I monitor all side effects of any seriousness to the vaccine. Our primary care providers know that they are to report any side effects of significance to me and I review each and every single case."
This is all part of reporting that is done locally, provincially and nationally to ensure the safety of all vaccines.
3rd Annual Running with the Bulls Shines
Mischief in Tillsonburg is Under Investigation
Upgrades Completed for Woodstock Disc Golf Course
OPP Enforcement for Civic Holiday Weekend
Woodstock Candidate Profile - Anthony Scalisi
Drug Trafficking Investigation Leads to Charges
EZT Candidate Profile - Don Chowan
Oxford County Requesting Public Input
Norwich Man Charged in Brant County
SPWH Wants You to Know Drinking Risks
Charges Laid after Truck Hits Bridge
Ingersoll Candidate Profile - Mike Tucker
Motorcyclist Killed in Oxford Collision
Tip Tuesday with the Oxford OPP - July 2026
Oxford OPP Briefs - July 28th, 2026
Cat Thrown from Vehicle in Norfolk County
Environment Canada Issues Yellow Watch for Thunderstorms
Oxford Mosquito Traps Tests Positive for West Nile
Woodstock Candidate Profile - Sandeep Sidhu
Comments
Add a comment